Productive consultations on flexible work arrangements

Report on what was heard during the consultations now available online

GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 22, 2016 /CNW/ - Canadians have had their say in the Government of Canada's consultations on flexible work arrangements.

The Government is firmly committed to supporting our middle class and those working hard to join it‑and that includes the many Canadian families increasingly struggling to balance work and family.

Flexible work arrangements, such as flexible start and finish times and the ability to work from home, can help employees manage their responsibilities and also bring value to businesses through higher retention rates and better productivity.

This could mean taking care of an aging person, leaving earlier from work to pick up a child from day care, or taking leave to participate in traditional Indigenous practices like hunting, trapping and fishing.

The Government of Canada has held far-reaching public consultations on its plan to give employees the right to request flexible work arrangements without fear of reprisal. Through May and June, more than 1,260 Canadians and 60 stakeholders shared their perspectives on flex work, including employers and employer associations, unions and labour organizations, advocacy groups, community groups and other organizations, think tanks and academics.

We are committed to bringing in measures that balance the needs of Canadian businesses and Canadian families.

A report on what was heard during the consultations is now available on our website.

Quote

"We launched these consultations as the first step in bringing the right to request flexible work arrangements to Canada. I am pleased that hundreds of Canadians participated in this consultation and openly shared their views and their personal experiences. This work will make a difference to Canadians in the middle class, and those working hard to join it, who are looking for ways to balance work, family, and other priorities."– The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

Quick Facts

Amending the Canada Labour Code to provide every federally regulated worker the right to formally request a flexible work arrangement is a commitment in Minister Mihychuk's mandate letter from the Prime Minister.

The Government will also continue to consult with the provinces and territories on the implementation of similar changes in provincially regulated sectors.

The online consultations took place from May 16, 2016, to June 30, 2016. Seven roundtables were held across Canada with various stakeholders.

For further information: Carlene Variyan, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, carlene.variyan@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca, 819-654-5611; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca